The survey, conducted by KAM Media on behalf of the BBPA, showed of the 308 participants across six pub companies covered by the Pubs Code, 80% responded positively to questions about their relationship with BDMs, stating the advice given was professional, transparent, and fair.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “The partnership pub model has proven time and time again how helpful it can be to have a pub company to turn to for advice.
“The model supports a range of people to run their own pubs, from first timers to seasoned publicans, matching people embedded in the communities they serve with the market knowledge and oversight to ensure their pubs can thrive.”
Real results
Additionally, three quarters of respondents said their relationship with their pub company had improved since the introduction of the Pubs Code in 2016.
Whilst several thousand hospitality businesses closed for good during the pandemic, the financial and wider support provided by pub companies large and small to their publicans enabled these pubs to re-open and continue to be at the heart of the communities they serve, according to the BBPA, with BDMs advising on everything from market trends to renovations.
Licensee of the Station, King’s Heath, Birmingham, Darren Paul, undertook a refurb of the outside area of his pub following advice from his pub company, a partnership which he said, “delivered real results” and was of “great value” to him, helping him keep focused on the day to day running of the pub while still spotting investment opportunities.
Furthermore, Licensee of the Hare and House in Tingley, Leeds, Jackie Fairburn said she “really appreciated” the advice on upcoming trends from her pub company as they kept the operator up to date with what drinks are popular, particularly with up-and-coming beer products, which she said she “wouldn’t know otherwise”.
Important relationship
She added: “I get a lot of comfort from knowing there is always someone at the other end of the phone should I need advice on something, but at the same time they let me do my own thing and run my pub the way I want to run it.”
This comes as a recent survey conducted by the Pubs Code Adjudicator, Fiona Dickie, echoed the BBPA’s findings with 76% of tenants agreeing their BDM was fair in discussions.
Dickie said: “This is an important relationship and under the Pubs Code tenants have a right to be treated fairly by their BDM and to receive appropriate notes of discussions.
“It’s pleasing to see the majority of respondents said their pub company relationship has improved since the Code, further demonstrating the positive difference it is making for regulated tied tenants.”
